*fans self* Oh, dear me -- that was bloody well amazing HAHAHHAHAHA <3 I really made an account just to track this story down and be able to leave a review, your works are just that good.
I also have to say, a large part of me was hoping against all hope that the child would be Elrond's, but ah well, I'm sure things turned out for the best the way they did. I did love seeing the tenderness between Elrond and Legolas develop, too! I hated Elrond's guts in the first few chapters for the blackmail (and I'm also glad seeing that part thoroughly discussed in this installment--both in-story and as a response to some... unsavory reviews) but ahhhh their brand of affection is just too endearing to ignore.
Also loved seeing dominant Legolas against submissive Elrond, mmmm the flavor was absolutely exquisite.
In addition, aaaa!! I loved the development Legolas gets in this story. I've finished the main stories in the Anestel universe and I'm glad to see an AU version (as it means more stories to read, of course! I'm quite the voracious reader myself, ahahahaha!). In the little things, with his shoulders broadening and him physically growing up and maturing--and his little friendship (companionship?? Academic... bonding...ship?) with Erestor was a delight to see. After all he's been though, it was wonderful to see him gain more confidence in himself, and see everyone's (or mostly everyone's) treatment of him get a bit better as the story goes on.
*Looks at publish date* Oh dear goodness, this story is more than ten years old and it's still beyond amazing. To give context, I had just come on legal age two years ago so by the time this was first published I was... very, very, very young SLDFKJHV and I do love it! There's a particular tone to "older" fandom stories that newer ones right now just can't replicate. And this--along with all your other works, yes, Esteliel and Pippychick--has it in droves.
Ahh but I'm rambling! All I could say is thank you very much for writing and letting us read your wonderful works <3 I could only hope that one day I'll be just as good as a writer as both of you! Thank you!! <3
-Aya
I loved the way that everyone finally realized their atrocious behavior towards Legolas and that he had done nothing to warrant their behavior of him in his entire life. The scenes of admission between Elrond and Glorfindel about their past sins were particularly great, let alone the scene where Erestor let them have it. Go Erestor! I had totally made my mind up to dislike this version of him and in a few sentences he totally pulled a 180 on me and redeemed himself. Elladan wasn't far behind him either!
When Legolas finally started to gain his self confidence I was cheering him on. And when he subdued Elrond I was bouncing up and down shouting 'you go boy'-s to him through my computer. That scene alone was vindication for so much that I wanted for him. Outstanding!
I'm glad that Gloriel was Glorfindel's. It would have turned from warm meadow feelings to major angst if she hadn't been. Wiped the sweat off my brow for that one.
When Legolas confronted Glorfindel about everything I was soooo happy that he finally realized that he could be free of the shackles that had been placed on him, and simultaneously he doesn't have to apologize for to people about the things that they have done that hurt him and that he doesn't have to accept it unless he wants to. Glorfindel's little panic attack was well worth it. At least he figured out that he can't just take Legolas' submission for granted = It is something that he is GIFTED with.
Their little 3-way -- OMG HHHHOTTTT!!!!! Little concerned about how it would be if Legolas actually DID wind up pregnant with Elrond's child this time around but other than that - HHOOTT!!!
Great story!